Nice trip report -- thanks for sharing!
Your story reminded me of my first charity ride some 6-7 years ago.
They are indeed a blast! This year I'm doing at least three of them.
It's so much fun riding with thousands of other people, having
volunteers cheer you on, and that ultimate luxury -- having at least
part of the road all to yourself for a day.
The volunteers at these events simply amaze me. They stand in the sun
for hours, directing traffic or handing out treats and they still
muster the energy to treat every rider like Lance Armstrong. I always
try to wave, or sometimes I "hit the gas" just for fun.
These rides are one reason I've built up to doing centuries -- the
longer the ride, the more time you get to spend enjoying it.
As for donations, personally I don't mind if you solicit them in a
newsgroup, but you're likely to open a can of worms when you do.
-JR